Tactical Azkals edge tournament hosts to seal top spot in Bangabandhu Gold Cup 2018 Group B

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After securing a place in the semi-finals, the Philippine Azkals went all-out to keep their pristine record to finish first in group B for the Bangabandhu Gold Cup 2018 against the tournament hosts Bangladesh at the Syleth District Stadium in Syleth, Bangladesh. 

The first half was off to a flyer for the men in blue as they looked to be the dominant side against the tournament hosts. They were able to defend against a barrage of attack from the home side while pushing forward to gain a goal advantage.

It was a tight contest until the 24th minute of the match when the Philippines made a breakthrough. Misagh Bahadoran freed himself up in the middle of the field before he fed a lovely through ball towards the path of Kenshiro Daniels. Despite the tight angle, Daniels converted the goal to put the Philippines on top.

There were several attempts from the tournament hosts but not of it went in for an equaliser. Louie Casas was called to action towards the end of the first half but it didn’t seem to bother him so much. Looking for the insurance goal, Jovin Bedic found an opening on the right side of the pitch but his weak footed shot went flying past the post.

With their pride on the line, Bangladesh came out blazing at the start of the second half with some fast-paced attack but the wall at the back of the Philippines was just alert to deflect any attempt towards the goal. The back four of the Azkals didn’t seem to feel any pressure at all despite the continuous barrage of attack from Bangladesh which was also matched by the crowd’s ferocious roars.

The action seemed to have died down until the 70th minute. Mohammad Nabib Newaz Ziban was given a lovely cross inside the box to which he tried to head it past Casas but his attempt went wide off the post. Not stepping off the pedal, Bangladesh made another attempt on goal from the corner but Casas tapped it away from the goal. The rebound was then met by Ziban but his shot went wide.

A scare on the other side of the pitch as Bahadoran seemed to have clipped the keeper Ashraful Islam Rana that got him a yellow card on the 75th minute. Bangladesh tried to show their fangs on the 79th minute when a cross was put in the box but Jerry Barbaso headed it away.

With five minutes remaining on the match, Mohammad Jabed Khan nodded the ball towards the goal but it was too easy for Casas. A sign of life from the Azkals went wayward on the 87th minute when Jovin Bedic fed a through ball for Fitch Arboleda but he was deemed offside.

A late scramble on the 94th minute saw the Azkals almost give up their three points but Casas was able to hold on the header attempt towards the sticks. Despite the perseverance from the hosts, the Philippines was just stronger in this match to finish the group stages with a clean slate.

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6 thoughts on “Tactical Azkals edge tournament hosts to seal top spot in Bangabandhu Gold Cup 2018 Group B”

  2. Wow! This could be one particular of the most helpful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Magnificent. I’m also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work.
    There were a number of attempts from the tournament series, but it did not go to the equalizer. Louis Caeses was called to action as early as possible, but did not disturb him. The search for the insurer found a start to the right on the right, by Jovinebird, but his weak underworld passed past the past.

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